Following the success ofGame of Thrones,HBO has decided to tap into the deep wellspring of authorGeorge R. R. Marin’s fantasy works to create prequel spinoffs. So far, they have produced two seasons ofHouse of the Dragon, which depicts the downfall of House Targaryen and the death of their dragons, and in 2025, audiences will get to watchA Knight of the Seven Kingdomsset in the aftermath of the first Blackfyre Rebellion. One of the major stories yet to be adapted is that ofAegon the Conqueror’s conquest of Westeros, the turning point in the continent’s history and the start of the Targaryen dynasty.
A few projects could conceivably be made from this important event, from a show to maybethe recently announced movie in development. Casting this pivotal figure in Westerosi history will be crucial, and it’s as good a time as any to narrow down some of the best actors who could play the Conqueror. If the producers honor the continuity established inHouse of the Dragonby making the Targaryen’s closest allies, House Velaryon, composed of Black actors, it would mean Aegon, whose mother was a Velaryon, would be of mixed ancestry and thus expand the pool of possible actors.The following actors have all proven their talent and would do Aegon justice; only time will tell if one of them actually nabs the role.
10Dev Patel
Known for: ‘The Green Knight’ (2021)
A fan of action movies in his youth,Dev Patelwas drawn to acting from a young age. He began his career in the 2007 showSkinsbefore starring in the 2008 filmSlumdog Millionaire, which earned him international recognition and numerous awards. His career has only grown from there, with notable projects includingThe Best Exotic Marigold Hoteland its sequel, 2016’sLion, for which he earned his first Oscar nomination, andThe Green Knight.
Patel is, admittedly, a bit of a long shot to play Aegon. Still, if we’re considering actors based on quality over physical description,he’s played enough roles to show that he can pull off a charismatic yet pragmatic conqueror, notablyThe Green Knight, arguably the best fantasy movie in recent years. Patel is also willing to engage with fandoms, such as when he sided withAvatar: The Last Airbenderfans over the disastrousM. Night Shyamalanfilm,in which he played Prince Zuko.
Slumdog Millionaire
9Aaron Pierre
Known for: ‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024)
A relatively new face in the industry,Aaron Pierre’sfirst acting credits were in 2017, where he made small appearances inPrime Suspect 1973andThe A Word.From there, he has appeared in projects likeKrypton,Old,andRebel Ridge. The latter’s success turned him into an instant star. Pierre is set to voice Mufasa in Disney’s upcoming filmMufasa: The Lion Kingand play John Stewart in DC’sLanterns, meaning his career is very much at a turning point, going from “familiar” to “über famous.”
Though Pierre’s list of projects is small, he’s managed to establish himself as an up-and-coming talent.He has a commanding presence and a powerful voice, both of which a future king requires to instill loyalty and a touch of fear in his subjects. Still, Pierre can also be warm and friendly, which fits how Aegon was towards his friends, family, and loyal servants. Pierre is the kind of actor who is one major role away from becoming an A-lister, and whileLanternsmight very well do that, there’s no harm in having more than one franchise under his belt.
Rebel Ridge
8Lucien Laviscount
Known for: ‘Emily in Paris’ (2019-Present)
In his early years,Lucien Laviscountwas known for British drama series, such asGrange Hill,the sixth season ofWaterloo Road,andSnatched, for which he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the National Film Awards UK. In 2021, he appeared inEmily in Paris, playing Alfie, a British banker who becomes a friend and love interest for the main character. Outside of acting, Laviscount is also known for participating in several charities, such asSoccer Aid in 2022.
Laviscount has proven that he’s capable of playing a wide cast of characters, fromtough guys to lovable romantics. Thus, it’s not a huge stretch to imagine him playing a young lord riding atopthe largest dragon known to Westeros. His appearances in romantic comedies could also help with creating believable chemistry between Aegon’s two sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys.Laviscount is also familiar but not super famous, meaning he could truly make Aegon his own without bringing baggage from other franchises.
Emily in Paris
7Theo James
Known for: ‘The Gentlemen’ (2024)
Theo Jamesfirst rose to prominence in 2010, appearing in one episode ofDownton Abbeyand the filmYou Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger. His big break came in 2014 when he played Tobias “Four” Eaton inDivergentand its subsequent sequels. Since the trilogy’s conclusion, James has appeared in numerous Netflix series, includingCastlevania,The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, andThe Gentlemen.
James has also performed in multiple bands, including Shere Khan, which split up in 2012. This means that heknows how to use his booming voice to the fullest, which is crucial when playing a charismatic leader out to unify a broken continent. Beyond the power of his voice,James has the right physique, being tall, broad-shouldered, and traditionally handsome. Despite being in his late 30s, James looks like he could pass for his mid-20s, the age Aegon had during the Conquest.
The Gentlemen
6Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Known for: ‘The Invisible Man’ (2020)
Born to parents who worked in the fashion industry,Oliver Jackson-Cohenwashed vases for a florist while between auditions until he landed a role inLark Rise to Candleford. From there, he began appearing in more major television productions, including the BBC’sDracula,The Secret River,andThe Haunting of Hill House.In film, he is best known for the 2020 remake ofThe Invisible Man.
Cohen certainly has the right physique for Aegon, being both tall and good-looking, and since he is fluent in French alongside Engish, there’s a good chance he canmake the Valyrian languagesound believable.He can be intimidating yet vulnerable; through his work in the horror genre, Jacskon-Cohen often plays twisted and tormented individuals, demonstrating thathe can pull off a strong range of emotions. This could lead to some powerful moments later in Aegon’s reign when he suffers personal losses.
The Invisible Man (2020)
When Cecilia’s abusive ex takes his own life and leaves her his fortune, she suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of coincidences turn lethal, Cecilia works to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.
WATCH ON APPLE
5Alfred Enoch
Known for: ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2014-2020)
The son of famed actorWilliam Russell,who played Ian Chesterton in earlyDoctor Who, the underratedAlfred Enochwas offered at the age of ten the chance to act inHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. While hesitant at first, he agreed and remained throughout all eight films, playing the popular background character Dean Thomas. From there, his career exploded into numerous stage productions and TV shows, includingHow to Get Away with MurderandFoundation.
Along with being young enough to believably pull off the twenty-five-year-old Aegon,Enoch has a natural charisma about himthat is perfect for portraying a man who was ruthless to those who defied him but also willing to forgive those who surrendered. Enoch is also skilled at pulling off different accents and can speak several languages, including Portuguese, meaning that he can sound convincing when speaking in High Valyrian. It’s alsoa chance for fans to see Enich’s lead-man abilitiesoutside his theatre work.
How to Get Away With Murder
4Regé-Jean Page
Known for: ‘Bridgerton’ (2020-Present)
In the early 2000s,Regé-Jean Pagemade small appearances in television shows likeGimme 6andCasualty@Holby City. His breakout role came in 2015 when he played the lead in the tenth season ofWaterloo Road, leading to starring roles inFor the People. Page’s career changed overnight with the success of Netflix’sBridgerton, which granted him worldwide recognition and an Emmy nomination for his role as the handsome Duke of Hastings.
Page has a lot of good qualities for a lead character like Aegon,including endless charisma and charm. Hisexperience with the mega-hitBridgertonmeans he could have some good romantic moments with Rhaenys, his favorite sister, and might even make the whole incestuous angle less disturbing for general audiences. Furthermore, Page wouldhandle the Westerosi political sphere effortlessly. His minor roleinDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thievesalso demonstrates how Page fairs during action sequences – spoiler alert: he’s great.
Bridgerton
3John Boyega
Known for: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’
First debuting on the small screen in the 2011 miniseriesBecoming Human,John Boyegamade his film debut in the same year with the acclaimedAttack the Block.His work was mainly limited to the United Kingdom for the next few years, but he became recognized worldwide when he played Finn, the former stormtrooper, in Disney’sStar Warstrilogy. This game-changing role has led to even more opportunities in films such asPacific Rim: UprisingandThe Woman King.
BetweenWoman Kingand his time inStar Wars, Boyega has proven hecan play royalty and trained warriors. Thus, it’s no stretch to assume he can combine these qualities to play Westeros' Conqueror. It’s also a chance for Boyega to show his abilities as a leading man afterDisney’s terrible treatment of FinnpastStar Wars: The Force Awakens, where he felt more like an ascended extra in the sequels. Boyega has everything to be a leading man, and he should be given the chance with the right role.
2Callum Turner
Known for: ‘Masters of the Air’ (2024)
During his early years,Callum Turnerdid some modeling for companies such as Next and Reebok when not appearing in small television and film roles. His big break came in 2014 when he starred inQueen and Countryalongside Oscar nomineeVanessa Kirby. Since then, Turner has featured in several major productions, including the 2020 version ofEmma, theFantastic Beastsfranchise, and the 2024 miniseriesMasters of the Air.
Turner’s performance inMasters of the Airis the best example of why he’d make a great Aegon. Hecaptures the charisma, assertiveness, and mental fortitudeneeded to hold together a large group of people during wartime. Beyond that, he’s not too hard on the eyes, which can help capturethe Valyrian beauty of Aegon. Like the other options on this list,Turner is on the verge of becoming an A-listerand is just waiting for the right role: Aegon might just be it.
Masters of the Air
Watch on Apple
1Taron Egerton
Known for: ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ (2014)
At age fifteen,Taron Egertongot into acting, whichhe said in an interviewwas partially motivated by trying to be social and make friends after moving away from his old ones. Egerton did some early work on stage before starring in the 2014 filmKingsman: The Secret Service. From there, his career took off with numerous projects, including voicing characters inSingandThe Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, crime dramas likeBlackbird, and biopics includingRocketmanandTetris.
A Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee,Egerton has proven himself to be an incredible actorwho can seamlessly drift between radically different characters. On average, he tends to play heroes, which is a natural fit for the Conqueror, who sets a very high standard for future kings of Westeros to live up to.Egerton’s diverse range also lends itself to showing Aegon’s different sides, from his warm presentation as the one true king to when he unleashes the dragon’s wrath upon enemies who have grievously harmed him.
NEXT:‘House of the Dragon’: What Happened to Aegon the Conqueror’s Dragons?
